Happy Thanksgiving from the Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce
As we gather with family and friends to celebrate Thanksgiving, we are reminded of the many reasons we are grateful, and at the top of that list is you, our valued Charlotte County Chamber membership family.
Each of you contributes to the strength, vibrancy, and strength of our local business community. Your hard work, creativity, and commitment are what make Charlotte County such an exceptional place to live, work, and thrive.
This season, on behalf our of Board of Directors and staff, we want to express our sincere appreciation for your partnership, collaboration and trust. Whether you are a longstanding member or newly joined, your involvement helps shape a thriving environment where local businesses can flourish. Your support of one another, your dedication to community service, and your enthusiasm for collaboration continue to inspire us every day.
As we look toward the future, we remain excited about the opportunities ahead and honored to stand beside you in advancing the success of our entire community. From all of us at the Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce, we wish you and your loved ones a warm, joyful, and restful Thanksgiving. May your holiday be filled with peace, gratitude, and cherished moments.
Happy Thanksgiving!
MEMBER EVENTS
Registration is required for these members-only events. Visit charlottecountychamber.org or call 941-627-2222.
- Holiday Business Card Exchange, 5-7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 4 atThe Daily Sun, 23170 Harborview Road, Port Charlotte. We’re having the Ugly Christmas Sweater Contest with prizes, plus catered appetizers, beer, wine and soft drinks will be provided. Bring a gift to promote your business. Don’t forget your business cards.
- Stages of Success Workshop, 8:20-10 a.m. Friday, Dec. 5, 3320 Loveland Blvd, Port Charlotte. Topic: Level IV of our AI Series to Level up Your Business with creativity and AI tools, Data that Drives Growth. Turn raw data into easy-to-understand trends and marketing insights, support strategic planning with recaps, notes and clear growth pillars, and utilize the right data to build stronger campaigns and messages
- Holiday Network at Noon lunch 11:45 a.m.-1 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 10 at Isles Yacht Club, 1780 W. Marion Ave., Punta Gorda. Enjoy a delicious selection of lunch options and network with the best. The tradition will continue, as we will have our Holiday Gift Exchange (only two steals). Each attendee should bring a wrapped gift ($20ish value). You’ll need to reserve your seat as soon as possible, as we have a hard deadline for all reservations by Dec. 3 (no late reservations will be accepted).
- Third Wednesday Coffee, 8-9 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 17 ta Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center, 75 Taylor St., Punta Gorda. Coffee sponsor isThe Daily Sun. The program is the 47th Annual Christmas Parade Awards. All parade award winners will be announced to receive their coveted trophies — Grand Marshal Trophy, Presidents Trophy, and first, second and third Place for Best Decorated Float, Best Car/Truck & Best Performing Unit.
RIBBON CUTTINGS
Ribbon cuttings are an effective way to meet the business owners — and fellow chamber members — in an informal atmosphere and develop great connections. Plus, you get familiar with their products and services provided. Please take the time to show your support and attend our ribbon cuttings. Register at charlottecountychamber.org or 941-627-2222.
- Charlotte Players 65th Anniversary, 4-6 p.m. Nov. 25, at 1185 Market Circle, Port Charlotte. Ribbon cutting at 5 p.m. Food and refreshments will be available.
- F.J. New Furniture, 5-6 p.m. Dec. 2, 204 E. McKenzie St., Punta Gorda. Ribbon cutting at 5:30 p.m. Food, refreshments, raffles, and store deals will be provided.
- Leadership Charlotte Class of 2020 (Press Box Project dedication), 5-6 p.m., Dec. 9 — 6905 Florida St., Punta Gorda (center of the field, between the two football fields). Ribbon cutting at 5:30 p.m. Catered food by Leroy’s Southern Kitchen & Bar.
- PicklePlex of Punta Gorda (new shade structures), 10:30-11:30 a.m. Dec. 16, 26300 Airport Rd., Punta Gorda. Ribbon cutting at 11:30 a.m. Light refreshments will be served during the ceremony.
- Love Your SELFie Studio, 5-6 p.m., Dec. 16 at 2826 Tamiami Trail, Unit 1, Port Charlotte . Ribbon cutting at 5:30 p.m. Food and refreshments will be provided.
SPECIAL EVENTS
- 47th Annual Charlotte County Chamber Christmas Parade, noon-1:30 p.m. Dec. 13. Our parade theme this year is “Elf Village Celebration.” We welcome the entire community to come on out and bring the kids, grandkids, and the entire family to enjoy one of the best community events of the year! The parade kicks off at noon at the Charlotte Performing Arts Center and then goes south on Taylor Street to the Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center. We will have a very special visitor all the way from the North Pole. Thousands of spectators line the sidewalk of the parade route. Make sure you come out early to get a great view of the parade. Whether you are a member of our chamber or not, you are able to participate in our parade. Visit charlottecountychamber.org to complete your registration form. Entry fee is $50 if you represent a for-profit business, $35 for nonprofits.
- The 15th Annual Community & Business Expo is 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Feb. 19, 2026 at Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center, 75 Taylor St., Punta Gorda. This is free and open to the public. Imagine marketing your business in an 8-by-10-foot booth (piped and draped) and having 1,000 plus visitors and residents see the products and services you provide. You will have the opportunity to see more folks in a matter of 5 hours than you may see in a month. This will be an excellent opportunity to maximum business exposure for sales, lead generation and develop great connections. Plus, there will be more than 100 other exhibitors for business-to-business to develop client/customer relationships. Deadline to reserve you booth is Jan. 6. There will be no late entries accepted. To reserve your booth, visit charlottecountychamber.org or call the chamber office at 941-627-2222.
Bob White is chief executive officer of the Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce and may be reached at bwhite@charlottecountychamber.org or 941-627-2222.

